---
The war between the Kingdom of Yue and the Six Sects of the Demonic Path had raged for a year now, consuming countless lives from both sides — from Nascent Soul cultivators down to those still in Qi Training.
Though the Six Demonic Sects had claimed more victories, their success came with heavy costs. The old Nascent Soul ancestors, valuing their own survival above all, had established an unspoken rule — they would refrain from direct involvement, leaving the younger generations to decide the tides of war with their own strength.
For Qi Yuan, stationed in the rear, this arrangement provided valuable time for cultivation. Half a year ago, aided by the Tianyuan Pill and dual cultivation, he broke through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment.
The power of the Tao Seed technique had proven itself in surprising ways. Over the year, it seemed to exert a subtle charm, strengthening his relationships. Dong Xuan'er and Chen Qiaoqian now lingered near him like devoted brides, always wearing warm smiles. Even Nangong Wan would sneak away to see him, making his days of cultivation feel more like a dream than the cold reality of war.
During this period, Qi Yuan had forged twelve Poison Dragon Swords, crafted dozens of intermediate talismans, and refined nearly eighty Heavenly Thunder Seeds. He also nurtured five rare thousand-year-old elixirs as a future investment.
Still, there were frustrations. The precious five-hundred-year-old spiritual medicines he'd claimed from Tian Buque had mysteriously vanished — Nangong Wan's doing, no doubt. He'd only learned about it afterward, which resulted in a rather intense "discussion" — one that ended with Nangong Wan thoroughly exhausted beneath his blankets.
Pills became part of his daily routine, but over time, Qi Yuan's body began resisting their effects. Rather than waste them, he divided his remaining stash between Dong Xuan'er, Chen Qiaoqian, and Han Yunzhi — who had recently established her Foundation and awaited Qi Yuan to bring her to Huangfeng Valley.
Meanwhile, troubling news arrived from Xiaomei. She reported strangers lurking near the nameless hill, possibly watching the area. The Yuanwu Chen family's involvement seemed likely, but it was unclear if they had withdrawn or merely shifted tactics.
As Qi Yuan pondered these concerns, a disciple hurried into the hall.
"Senior Brother Qi," the disciple began, his tone grim. "The supply team we sent to the front line was ambushed. We've lost resources… and people." He hesitated before adding, "Should we request help from the Jindan-stage elders?"
Qi Yuan's expression darkened as he scanned the report. For months now, their supply lines had suffered repeated attacks — precise strikes that always seemed to target the most vulnerable convoys. He suspected a mole.
"I'll handle it," Qi Yuan said. "Bring Ma Chen and Lin Que here."
The two cultivators soon arrived — Ma Chen, a solidly built man from Tianque Fort, and Lin Que, a lean disciple of the Giant Sword Sect. Both were fellow Foundation Establishment cultivators tasked with defending the logistics post.
"You've heard the news," Qi Yuan began. "This is the third ambush this month. We've only managed two successful deliveries out of five. Any ideas?"
Ma Chen rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Those demonic cultivators are masters of deception. I'd suggest increasing our escort numbers for future supply runs."
Lin Que snorted. "Oh? Funny how the teams that keep getting attacked are always the ones arranged by Ma and me — never yours, Qi Yuan." His words dripped with suspicion.
Qi Yuan's gaze hardened. "Last month, my team was hit too. Brother Yu Xin — remember him? His headless corpse proved that my men aren't spared either."
Lin Que's expression faltered, but his distrust lingered.
"Fellow Daoist Lin didn't mean any harm," Ma Chen said quickly, trying to ease the tension. "We need to focus on getting those supplies through. If we fail again, the blame won't fall on just one of us — we'll all pay the price."
Qi Yuan's eyes narrowed. "I'll personally lead the next convoy," he declared. "I'm done waiting for the enemy to come to us."
Lin Que smirked. "Oh, how noble. If you leave us shorthanded here and the demons strike, you'll be the only one standing to claim victory, won't you?"
Qi Yuan met his gaze with a cold smile. "If you're that worried, why don't you send Qiu along with me as a witness?"
Lin Que's face twisted in anger. He slammed his teacup down and stormed out without another word.
"Was that really necessary?" Ma Chen sighed. "Now he's too angry to finish the conversation."
Qi Yuan shrugged. "If he can't control his partner's wandering eyes, that's his problem."
Ma Chen sighed again, then leaned in closer. "On a serious note… I think there's a spy among us."
Qi Yuan's eyes widened slightly. "You've suspected it too?"
Ma Chen nodded. "I've been investigating quietly. I haven't found solid proof yet, but I have a strong suspicion. If you're willing, I'd like you to join me tonight. Together, we can catch this traitor in the act."
"Of course," Qi Yuan agreed. "Let's end this before more lives are lost."
For all his suspicion, Qi Yuan hadn't expected Ma Chen to uncover clues before him. Perhaps the square-faced man had sharper instincts than he'd realized.
---